Review of “A Time of Torment”

“A Time of Torment” eBook was published in 2016 (August) and was written by John Connolly (http://www.johnconnollybooks.com). Mr. Connolly has authored or co-authored more than 30 novels. This is the 14th novel in the “Charlie Parker Mystery” series.

I received a galley of this novel for review through https://www.netgalley.com. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence, and Mature Situations. The story is set mostly in West Virginia. The primary character is Private Investigator Charlie Parker.

Parker has a history of violence. He is currently working in an advisory capacity with the FBI. This story has nothing to do with the FBI connection though. Parker is approached by Jerome Burnel who was recently released from prison. Burnel claims he is innocent and that he was set up. He fears that he will soon be killed.

In any case, he wants Parker to investigate. Parker is unsure at first, but soon comes to believe Burnel. Not long after, Burnel disappears. Parker and his close associates Angel and Louis begin to dig deeper.

There is an area of West Virginia known locally as The Cut. Those that live there live isolated lives, resisting any intrusions into their property. Not only are they reclusive, but they are thought to pursue more than one criminal activity. Before long Parker has his first encounter with men from The Cut. He skirmishes with them, but ultimately knows he must go to the heart of the trouble, The Cut itself.

Concurrent with all of this, the local Sheriff has been having his own encounters with The Cut. People have gone mission for years, but there has never been sufficient evidence to take action. Recently though, bodies have been discovered in a shallow grave. He hates The Cut. This brings him into all but open conflict with the leaders of The Cut. Because of the fear that The Cut instills in the locals he has few who are willing to support him. Then he meets Parker.

I enjoyed the 12 hours I spent with this 480 page Paranormal Mystery. I had not ready any of the prior books, but this one read well stand-alone. It is a dark story with a lot of violence. I liked the character of Parker, but did not really get to know him well in this novel. While there is definitely a paranormal aspect to the story, it is only a minor thread. I give this novel a 4.5 (rounded up to 5) out of 5.